The proliferation of AI has brought about numerous challenges, raising questions about the authenticity of our reality. A recent incident involving Anita Hagerman, an orchestra director, highlights the issue. After performing at a concert, she found photos of the event on Facebook, including one where her body was depicted with someone else’s face.
The photographer, Jon Bauer, was shocked and assured that he hadn’t manipulated the image intentionally. He had used an AI eraser to remove a line in the background, which might have affected other elements in the photo. This incident underscores the fragility of our sense of reality in the age of AI.
The issue extends beyond image manipulation. AI-generated deepfakes have become increasingly convincing, making it difficult to discern what’s real and what’s not. A video of Oprah Winfrey’s voice discussing the suffering of Palestinians was shared on social media, only to be revealed as a deepfake.
The use of AI has also raised concerns about intellectual property and the environment. Authors have sued Meta for using their pirated books and scientific papers to train its AI model without permission. Moreover, the energy consumption required to train AI models is staggering, with data centers using more electricity in a year than 117 countries.
On a more personal note, the author’s experience with therapy during the pandemic highlights the importance of mental health. After discovering the benefits of therapy, the author created a series called ‘Things We Don’t Talk About,’ discussing various mental health topics. The series aims to reduce stigma around mental health issues.
Meanwhile, the author’s father struggles with Parkinson’s disease, a neurodegenerative disorder affecting 1 million Americans. The author’s visit to their father in rehab underscores the challenges of caring for loved ones with chronic illnesses. Despite the difficulties, the author finds solace in small victories, such as their father’s improving appetite and clarity.
As AI continues to advance, it’s crucial to address the existential questions it raises. Are we losing our sense of humanity in the process? The answer lies in acknowledging the challenges and working towards a future where technology serves to enhance, rather than control, our lives.
